Skirting boards, also known as baseboards or molding, are often installed along the bottom of interior walls to cover the joint between the wall and the floor. When installing luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) or carpet, skirting boards do not necessarily need to be removed. This is because LVT and carpet are relatively thin and can be installed around the skirting boards, leaving a small gap to allow for expansion and contraction.
However, when it comes to installing engineered wood or laminate flooring, skirting boards typically do need to be removed. This is because engineered wood and laminate are thicker than LVT and carpet and require an expansion gap that is larger than what can be accommodated by leaving the skirting boards in place. Additionally, removing the skirting boards allows the flooring to be installed more easily and can help ensure a more professional-looking finish.
It is important to note that removing skirting boards can be a delicate task, and it is recommended that it be done by a professional. If you are not comfortable removing skirting boards yourself, it is best to hire a skilled installer who has the necessary tools and expertise to remove them safely and effectively
In summary, although some LVT products may be more expensive than laminate, the overall cost and disruption of installation and removal can be less with LVT due to the simplified installation and easy removal without needing to remove skirting boards

When installing luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) to a new concrete floor, some preparation work is required to ensure a successful and long-lasting installation. Here are some steps that are typically recommended:

1) Wait for the concrete to cure: Before installing LVT on a new concrete floor, it is important to make sure that the concrete has fully cured. This usually takes at least 28 days, depending on the thickness of the concrete and the environmental conditions.

2) Check for moisture: Before installing LVT, it is essential to check the moisture levels in the concrete to ensure that the subfloor is dry enough to install the LVT. Excessive moisture can cause damage to the LVT and adhesive, so it is important to perform a moisture test using an appropriate moisture meter. If moisture levels are too high, a moisture barrier may be required. For all new builds we install a roll on DPM as you can see in the video below;

3) Level the subfloor: Any irregularities in the concrete subfloor should be addressed before installing the LVT. This can be achieved by grinding, patching, or leveling the subfloor to ensure it is smooth and level. For new builds we used a 3mm latex to level the subfloor.

4) Clean the subfloor: The concrete subfloor should be thoroughly cleaned of any dirt, debris, or other contaminants that may prevent the adhesive from bonding properly. A clean, dry subfloor will provide the best surface for the adhesive to adhere to.

5) Allow the LVT to acclimate: Before installation, it is important to allow the LVT to acclimate to the room temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours.

6) Install the LVT: Finally, the LVT can be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure to leave the appropriate expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. This involves applying adhesive to the floor and then sticking the individual planks down. See video below;

Following these steps will help ensure that your new LVT floor is properly installed on a sound and stable concrete subfloor, leading to a beautiful and long-lasting result.

Regardless of the size of a new build property, the installation of luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) typically takes at least two days. This is because the installation process involves several steps that need to be completed before the LVT can be laid.

One critical step is the installation of a 3mm latex levelling compound to the subfloor. This compound is used to level out any imperfections in the subfloor, which can ensure that the LVT is properly installed and looks its best. However, the installation of the levelling compound can take a full day to allow it to fully cure and set properly. Once the latex is installed it cannot be walked on for at least 4-5 hours.

Additionally, the time required for the installation of the LVT can vary depending on the pattern being used. A herringbone pattern, for example, typically takes longer to install than a straight lay pattern because it requires more precision in cutting and fitting the tiles. As a general rule, approximately 30 square meters of LVT can be installed per day in a straight lay pattern, while only about 20 square meters can be installed per day in a herringbone pattern.

It is important to note that these installation times are only estimates and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the installation, such as the size and layout of the room, the complexity of the pattern being used.

In general, carpet installation takes just one day to a new build property. This is because the installation process is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a relatively short amount of time.
For new build properties that are 1-4 bedrooms, the entire installation process can usually be completed in just one day. For larger properties with more than five bedrooms, the installation may take slightly longer, but still usually no more than two days.